News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

The By Parents For Parents Blog is regularly updated with the latest news and information on topics that relate to parenting teenagers. We'll post parenting advice and tips from trusted online news sources and expert parenting columns.

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Friday, January 22, 2010

In a Jan. 14 commentary on the website of the Tulsa World, Robert J. Hudson, MD, advised parents to make a New Year's resolution to adopt a give less, expect more attitude toward their children in 2010:

Our children are the most overindulged in the world. We as a society expect far too little from children and give far too much. All the stuff and freedom they receive are without requiring a balance of responsibilities&.

The long-term consequence to overindulged children is a feeling of entitlement. Some parents may be saying, "What is bad about feeling entitled?" As children reach the teen years and their unrealistic expectations are unfulfilled, anger, anxiety, and depression often result.

Adolescents are becoming angrier, more intolerant and more demanding to get what they want, now. This parenting style giving too much has created fun-seeking teens who are unprepared for the world, demanding, dependent on attention and resentful of their parents for failing to keep them happy. &

When you expect more and give less you are balancing your children's lives to meet the demands of the world. They will be truly happier, more confident and ready for the challenges and demands they will face.

Hudson is a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University Of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Most parents get tired of nagging their kids about the same things over and over. Homework, messy rooms, rude behavior ... the list could go on and on. Rather than nagging, though, try a behavior contract:

"Talk to your child about the specific behaviors that must be changed and the consequences that will occur if the rules are not followed. Next, write or type the contract... and then have all parties sign the copies."

These kinds of agreements can be especially important and helpful for parents of teenagers. Issues such as drinking, drugs, and staying out past curfew can all be addressed - and consequences clearly spelled out - so there are no surprises. Source: The Morning News (Northwest Arkansas)

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Teens push boundaries - that's no secret. And parents have the unenviable responsibility of setting firm boundaries for their teenagers as well as consequences when rules aren't followed.

"Set high standards - as you definitely know from your own life, you can only reach as high as you aim. Set expectations for your teen high, and they will at least have a chance."

Be clear about your expectations and boundaries. If they're not clear, your teen has more opportunity to find loopholes, or to unintentionally break a rule. Unclear rules can be frustrating for both teen and parents. Source: Busy Moms Online